DHRUVA’S FIRST JOURNEY WAS AN EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTERRIDE

Dhruva Agarwal (in the middle) recommends other young people to become seafarers, but stresses that it is not an easy job.

Dhruva’s first voyage was a rollercoaster of emotions

When Dhruva Agarwal for the first time embarked on a ship it was a dream come true nd he was well received by his colleagues on board. However, the rough seas and warm engine room has put him to the test. Here, Dhruva reflects on his life so far as a seafarer on board.

Why did you become a seafarer? I decided to become a seafarer back in high school when I was 15 years old. I want to become a good seafarer and develop all the physical and mental abilities necessary to work on board a ship. No matter what lies ahead of us, we as seafarers have the courage to go right through it. We work hard, party harder and live the hardest life.

How did you get your first job on a ship? I rolled in for the bachelor’s programme in Marine Engineering from Academy of Maritime Education and Training in Chennai. Maersk came to select the young cadets and I was one of them. I embarked my first ship in January 2022, and it is a pretty big ship!

Which feelings do you remember from your first voyage? I very much appreciated the good welcome I received on board the ship. I also remember how the calm sea around us made me feel grateful for my decision to become a seafarer. But I also quickly realised that it would definitely be worth it, but also that life as a seafarer is not easy at all. For example, working all day in the very hot engine room tested my mental strength. In general, life as a seafarer is like a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences.

What has surprised you most about working on a ship? I was very surprised by the size of the ship and all the things that keep it going and make sure we get everything done on time. I am also impressed by the harmony with which everything works on the ship. The crew takes pride in their duties, and everything runs smoothly. Everyone is my mentor on board. I ask everyone questions and they help me.

Were there any experiences on board that you weren’t prepared for? Yes. There have been quite a few experiences that I wasn’t prepared for. I was not accustomed to the ship rolling. So, when we were inbounding to Rotterdam, there was strong weather, and I got sick a few times. Now I am used to the ship rolling.

Would you recommend other young people to choose a life as a seafarer? Yes, I would give a heads up to other young people to choose a life as a seafarer because of all the opportunities. You learn a lot on board, you have a really good time, and you will have a lot of nice memories and experiences. For me the barbecue parties where all of us enjoy good food is still the single best experience I have had on the ship.

DHRUVA AGARWAL, MASKINKADET

Age: 22 Country: India Vessel: MURCIA MAERSK, crew of 26